'Sam Wijesinha, an epitome of simplicity and humanism'

Wansanatha Wijesinghe, - Co-ordianting Secretary to the President

When you study the history of the Sri Lanka Parliament, a name that automatically comes into focus is that of Sam Wijesinha.You will also recall the exceptional manner in which he rendered his official duties using his greatness, intellect and impartiality.

Under the Soulbury Constitution of 1947, the Republican Constitution of 1972 and the present controversial constitution of 1978 he performed his official duties as Secretary General of Parliament in keeping with the powers and prestige attached to his office.

Sam Wijesinha who was unmoved by the agitational activities of revolutionary political stalwarts like Philip Gunawardena, Colvin and NM never gave into anti democratic moves. He was a stickler for discipline and very law abiding.

After his primary education at the village school he completed his secondary education at Ananda College, Colombo and S Thomas College, Mt Lavinia and higher education at the Ceylon University College. He entered the Ceylon Law College and passed out as an Advocate, the first from the Hambantota district.

Thereafter he entered the law profession and scored as a lawyer in various parts of the country.

In 1963, he was appointed Secretary General of parliament.

He was also the first Parliamentary Ombudsman under the 1978 constitution. Currently he functions as the chancellor of the Open University of Sri Lanka and president of the All Ceylon Prisoners' Welfare Society.

A very straight forward and sincere personality he never considered high office as an ornament in life. He has been an epitome of simplicity and humanism.

Although he lived among the privileged class in the city he never forgot his native village in Giruwapattuwa and his relatives and friends there.

Whenever time permitted he always looked into the needs of his village and offered sponsorship towards the development of schools and temples.

The Gatamanne and Medamulana villages are situated in close proximity in the Beliatte electorate.

The paternal side of the Rajapaksa family and Wijesinha families held the coveted post of Vidane Arachchi and this helped to forge close links and relations between the two families.

Sam Wijesinha had a close friendship with all politicians born from the Rajapaksa family from the time of the State Council to the era of the Executive Presidential system.

Whenever Sam Wijesinha visited Giruwapattuwa he used to advise people that time management was a pre-requisite for people aspiring for high office or a better future.

He said no amount of wealth would enable a person to regain the valuable time lost. Many people in the remote villages in Ruhuna who heeded his advice are today holding prestigious positions in society.

Sam Wijesinha never neglected his religious practices despite his busy schedule of work. He was instrumental in organizing a Sanghika Dana in Parliament for the first time by inviting the Maha Sangha to the august assembly.

He has a strong recollection of interesting parliamentary debates and anecdotes which is almost magical.

He is one of the very few intellectuals who are fully conversant with matters relating to Parliamentary customs, traditions and privilege issues. Parliament procedure is at his finger tips.

Sam Wijesinha who is a man of the epoch turns 91 on June 27, 2012.

We take this opportunity to extend our sincere birthday greetings to him and best wishes for good health and long life".

- Translated by D P Wickremasinghe